Mika Singh apologises after being banned over performing in Pakistan

A performance by famous singer Mika Singh was recently banned by film body for performing at the wedding of a billionaire's daughter, apparently close to former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf, has caused a furore, amid strained ties between the two countries. Now, he has come up with an apology to the nation which he made while addressing the media.

Following his statement, the Federation of Western India Cine Employee (FWICE) lifted the ban. 

Mika said, ‘’It wasn't that I was adamant on performing there, it was a coincidence that I went there and Article 370 happened. If I made a mistake, I apologise to the federation and the nation’’.

This all started after Mika’s videos and pictures from the ‘Mika Singh Night’ have gone viral on the internet due to which the singer faced an outrage and angst by his fans in India who have even suggested that he should not come back.

One of the Twitter users wrote, "Shame on you traitor." "Mika Singh Paaji we Indians gave you so much love... And in a situation like that when Pak banned all trade ties with us, sending terrorists across the border, our tensions are very high right now. Why did you go to Pakistan for a show? Few bucks are bigger than India? " another user tweeted.

Following this, the All India Cine Workers Association has also issued an official statement banning singer Mika Singh for his performance in Karachi. The organization has stated that since Mika Singh did not care much about the country’s pride and went on to perform in Karachi, he will be banned and boycotted. The statement further stated that if anyone in India works with Mika Singh, they will face legal consequences in the court of law.

On 5 August, 2019, India revoked Article 370 of the Constitution and decided to bifurcate the State of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, a move which drew a sharp reaction from Pakistan. Pakistan downgraded its diplomatic ties and snapped trade relations with India, besides suspending the Samjhauta Express services between the two countries.

According to a report in Daily Jang newspaper, Mika, 42, arrived in Karachi with his troupe to perform at the wedding ceremony of the influential billionaire's daughter who is said to be close to Musharraf. Mika reportedly performed on August 8 at the ceremony and his presence in the city came to light when some guests uploaded videos of his performance on social media.

Singer Mika Singh on his performance in Pakistan: It wasn't that I was adamant on performing there, it was a coincidence that I went there and #Article370 happened. If I made a mistake, I apologise to the federation and the nation. pic.twitter.com/3rU2p5nG36

— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2019